So….I finished the official Popsugar book challenge and created my own. Which was fun and is fun. I think I’m reading so much more this year versus last year simply because I’m not so stressed out. Last year, my Dad’s health was iffy and the outcome of the fostering of return home vs adoption was up in the air. I honestly could hardly see straight at times.
Now, I feel like better. It’s not that my life is all that more clear. If, in fact, life has taught me anything it’s that the best laid plans will usually go awry and that if you follow the instincts of your heart and work hard, things will be okay. But because I’m less stressed out, I am reading more. Without further ado, in August I read:
Anne of Avonlea by LM Montgomery
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Anne of the Island by LM Montgomery
The Old Testament — finished it anyway
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
Wild Born by Brandon Mull
Hunted by Maggie Stiefvater
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Under a Graveyard Sky by John Ringo
Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammet
and
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Of these, The Martian and the DiCamillo books were excellent. The Fault in Our Stars is one of the best books I have ever read, but this was the 2nd time through for me. It was also the second or more time through The Thin Man and Alice in Wonderland. Both of those are excellent. Honestly, though, can I just take a second to say how amazing Flora and Ulysses is? FANTASTIC. Just wonderful. I’ll be reading it to my kids shortly and I’ll be reading the rest of DiCamillo catalogue soon. Kate DiCamillo has won two Newberry Awards RIGHTFULLY. I don’t even have the way to explain why it’s so good. But it is. It is SO good. So, so, good. That’s the thing about these crazy, random challenges. You find authors that you like so much you read their whole dang catalogue. I’m looking at you John Steinbeck, Larry Correia and now, Kate DiCamillo.
Speaking of things totally unrelated, do you remember my post of my Squirrel Problem? I get distracted. I get distracted, like a squirrel, from my Works In Progress (aka the books I am writing) most of all. Which is probably why I’ve written the better part of a totally unplanned book this week. Because…of course. Totes normal. Totes.
What?
What? Did I break my pinky swear to myself? YES I DID. I DID THAT.
But I’d just like to point out. I have written MOST OF A BOOK IN ONE WEEK. Holy Moses! Also, though very different from everything else I’ve written and something I expect that many people will not enjoy, I LOVE IT. It’s darker, bloodier, and what not than my current books. There are ghosts, possessions, love among the dead. Multiple people get stabbed in the throat and such. What I’m saying is…you know…if that doesn’t sound good to you. Don’t read it.
As my buddy and co-author Auburn Seal says, I’ve finally written something she’ll like. Um…not that I don’t, you know… like your other books. But… I’m not trying to say that…
Sure, Auburn, sure.
Also, my son is turning 5 soon. My attempt at self-control is laughable as I look at what I have purchased for him. So…sue me. He’s a stink who’s getting used to be spoiled. He told me for Christmas he wants 4 pirate ships. Last year he got two. I think he envisions using the area rug in our living room as the ocean and having an epic pirate battle. As I explained, I have Santa’s number, I’ll see what I can do. But, 4 more pirate ships is doubtful. He’s like that’s cool. I’ll take two more. Oi. Vey. Spoiled.
Also, btws, the Thin Man movies are very good. You should check them out.
~Amanda
Amanda A. Allen 